JP3461169B2 - Liquid injection device - Google Patents

Abstract

A liquid jetting apparatus comprises: a container-setting portion at which a liquid container is set, the liquid container having at least one liquid chamber that contains at least one kind of liquid and a storing part that stores information about at least one sedimentation state of the at least one kind of liquid in the at least one liquid chamber, a head member having at least one nozzle, at least one liquid way that can communicate with the at least one liquid chamber of the liquid container set at the container-setting portion and the at least one nozzle, an information reader that can read out the information stored in the storing part of the liquid container set at the container-setting portion, at least one liquid-consumption totalling unit that can total at least one liquid consumption from the at least one nozzle, and a liquid-end determining unit that can determine at least one liquid end based on the information about the sedimentation state of the at least one kind of liquid in the at least one liquid chamber read out by the information reader and the at least one liquid consumption. <IMAGE>

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus having a head member for ejecting a liquid droplet from a nozzle opening, and more particularly to a liquid ejecting apparatus in which a liquid container for supplying a liquid to the nozzle opening can be replaced. Regarding

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, an ink jet recording apparatus (an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus) has a recording head (head member) having a nozzle opening, and an ejection driving means (for example, a piezoelectric element) for ejecting ink (liquid) at the nozzle opening. (Vibrator or heating element), and ejection control means for controlling the ejection drive means according to the print data. Ink is supplied to the nozzle openings by an ink cartridge (ink container) and an ink communication path from the ink cartridge to the nozzle openings. The ink cartridge is usually replaceable.

The recording quality of the ink jet recording apparatus is
Basically, it depends on the resolution of the print head, which is defined by the diameter and number of nozzle openings, but it may also be affected by the type and viscosity of ink, the degree of bleeding on the recording medium, and the like.

For example, in the nozzle opening portion, the ink is exposed to the air, so that the ink solvent (for example, water) is gradually evaporated. The evaporation of the ink solvent increases the viscosity of the ink at the nozzle openings, deteriorating the quality of the recorded image. For this reason, in the ink jet recording apparatus, as a measure for preventing the viscosity of the ink in the nozzle opening portion from increasing, suction of ink from the nozzle opening (called cleaning) or idle discharge of ink (called flushing) is performed. .

In particular, when the ink cartridge is replaced, cleaning or flushing is performed until the conduction of ink from the new ink cartridge to the nozzle opening is stable.

When the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge becomes small, it becomes difficult to eject the ink smoothly, and the recording quality deteriorates. For this reason, when the remaining amount of ink falls below a predetermined amount, it is determined that the ink has run out, and an indication for replacing the ink cartridge is displayed.

[0007]

On the other hand, pigment ink is used as an ink having excellent light resistance. The pigment ink is composed of, for example, a pigment, a dispersant, a solvent, and an additive, and is an ink particularly excellent in ultraviolet resistance.

The pigment ink is contained in the ink cartridge in a state of being permeated into the foam material. In the ink cartridge of this aspect, the dispersibility deteriorates after a long time has passed from the time of manufacture, and the pigment may settle due to gravity. In this case, the ink density at the bottom of the ink cartridge (on the ink supply port side) is high, and the ink density at the top of the ink cartridge is low.

In order to correct such a bias in density, it is effective to stir the contained ink.
It is difficult to provide a stirring function in an ink cartridge of a type that contains a foam material.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and it is preferable to discharge the ink in the nozzle opening portion or the ink end of the ink cartridge based on the information about the manufacturing time of the ink cartridge. The main object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet recording apparatus, which is capable of appropriately discriminating the ink, and in general, a liquid ejecting apparatus.

[0011]

According to the present invention, there is provided a liquid container installation section in which a liquid container having a liquid chamber for containing a liquid and a storage section for storing information on a manufacturing time of the liquid container is installed, and a nozzle. A head member having an opening, a liquid communication path for communicating the inside of the liquid chamber of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation section with the nozzle opening, and a storage section of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation section are stored. An information reading unit that reads the information, a liquid discharging unit that discharges the liquid in the nozzle opening, and a liquid discharging control unit that controls the liquid discharging unit based on the information about the manufacturing time of the liquid container read by the information reading unit. And a liquid ejecting apparatus.

According to the present invention, since the liquid discharge part is controlled based on the information regarding the manufacturing time of the liquid container, the liquid can be appropriately discharged when the liquid container is replaced.

Preferably, the liquid discharge control section includes a clock function section for recognizing the current time point, and the liquid discharge control section calculates the elapsed time up to the current time point based on the information on the manufacturing time point, and the elapsed time. And a control main body that controls the liquid discharge unit based on the length.

In this case, when the liquid container is replaced, the control main body unit initially sets the liquid according to the length of the elapsed time based on the information stored in the storage unit of the liquid container mounted after the replacement. It is preferable to control each liquid discharge part so that each discharge amount becomes larger. This makes it possible to discharge the liquid by discharging the liquid when the concentration of the liquid that is initially introduced into the nozzle opening is higher than a predetermined level because the elapsed time from the manufacturing time is long.

Further, according to the present invention, a liquid container installation section in which a liquid container having a liquid chamber for containing a liquid and a storage section for storing information on a manufacturing time of the liquid container is installed,
A head member having a nozzle opening, a liquid communication path for communicating the inside of the liquid chamber of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation section with the nozzle opening, and a storage unit of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation section. An information reading unit for reading the stored information,
A liquid end amount determination unit that determines the liquid end based on the liquid consumption amount integration unit that integrates the liquid consumption amount from the nozzle opening, the information regarding the manufacturing time of the liquid container read by the information reading unit, and the liquid consumption amount, A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising:

According to the present invention, since the liquid end is determined based on the information regarding the manufacturing time of the liquid container and the liquid consumption amount, it is possible to appropriately determine the liquid end at a predetermined liquid concentration.

Preferably, the liquid end discriminating unit is provided with a clock function unit for recognizing the present time, and the liquid end discriminating unit calculates the elapsed time up to the present time based on the information on the manufacturing time and the elapsed time. And a determination main body that determines the liquid end based on the length.

In this case, it is preferable that the discriminating main body discriminates the liquid end with a smaller liquid consumption amount according to the length of the elapsed time.
When the concentration of the liquid that has become low due to the long elapsed time from the manufacturing time exceeds a predetermined level and is low, it is possible to determine the liquid end before the consumption of the liquid.

The liquid consumption amount is preferably the sum of the liquid discharge amount from the nozzle opening and the liquid suction amount from the nozzle opening.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a liquid container installation section in which a liquid container having a plurality of liquid chambers respectively accommodating a plurality of kinds of liquids and a storage section for storing information on a manufacturing time of the liquid container is installed, A head member having a plurality of nozzle openings, a plurality of liquid communication passages for communicating the inside of each liquid chamber of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation section with each nozzle opening, and the liquid container installation section are installed. Based on the information reading unit that reads the information stored in the storage unit of the liquid container, the plurality of liquid discharging units that discharge the respective liquids of the plurality of nozzle openings, and the information about the manufacturing time of the liquid container that is read by the information reading unit. And a liquid discharge control unit that controls each of the plurality of liquid discharge units, and a liquid ejecting apparatus.

According to the present invention, since each liquid discharge section is controlled based on the information regarding the manufacturing time of the liquid container, when the liquid container is replaced, the appropriate liquid discharge for each liquid can be performed.

Preferably, the liquid discharge control section includes a clock function section for recognizing the current time point, and the liquid discharge control section calculates the elapsed time up to the current time point based on the information on the manufacturing time point, and the elapsed time. And a control main body portion that controls each liquid discharge portion based on the length.

In this case, when the liquid container is replaced, the control main body unit stores each liquid according to the length of the elapsed time based on the information stored in the storage unit of the liquid container mounted after the replacement. It is preferable to control each liquid discharge part so that the initial discharge amount becomes larger. This allows
When the concentration of each liquid initially introduced into the nozzle opening is higher than a predetermined level due to the long elapsed time from the manufacturing point of time, each liquid can be discharged by liquid discharge.

Further, preferably, the storage section of the liquid container also stores information relating to the characteristics of the liquid contained in each of the liquid chambers of the liquid container. In this case, it is preferable that the liquid discharge control unit controls each liquid discharge unit based on the information regarding the characteristics of the liquid. As a result, it is possible to appropriately discharge the liquid for each liquid.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a liquid container installation section in which a liquid container having a plurality of liquid chambers respectively accommodating a plurality of kinds of liquids and a storage section for storing information on a manufacturing time of the liquid container is installed. A head member having a plurality of nozzle openings, a plurality of liquid communication passages for respectively communicating the interior of each liquid chamber of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation section with each nozzle opening, and the liquid container installation section An information reading unit that reads the information stored in the storage unit of the liquid container, a plurality of liquid consumption amount integrating units that integrate the liquid consumption amount of each liquid from the nozzle openings, and the manufacturing of the liquid container read by the information reading unit A liquid ejecting apparatus, comprising: a liquid end discriminating unit that discriminates a liquid end of each liquid based on time information and each liquid consumption amount.

According to the present invention, since the liquid end is discriminated based on the information regarding the manufacturing time of the liquid container and the respective liquid consumption amounts, the liquid end of each liquid at a predetermined liquid concentration is properly discriminated. Can be done.

Preferably, the liquid end discriminating unit includes a clock function unit for recognizing the present time, and the liquid end discriminating unit calculates the elapsed time up to the present time based on the information on the manufacturing time, and the elapsed time. A determination main body that determines the liquid end of each liquid based on the length.

In this case, it is preferable that the discriminating main body discriminates the liquid end of each liquid with a smaller liquid consumption amount according to the length of the elapsed time. This makes it possible to determine the liquid end of each liquid before the consumption of the liquid when the concentration of the liquid that has become low due to the long elapsed time from the manufacturing point exceeds a predetermined level.

Also in this case, the liquid consumption amount is preferably the sum of the liquid discharge amount from the nozzle opening and the liquid suction amount from the nozzle opening.

Further, preferably, the storage section of the liquid container also stores information regarding the characteristics of the liquid contained in each of the liquid chambers of the liquid container. In this case, it is preferable that the liquid end determination unit is configured to determine the liquid end of each liquid based on the information regarding the characteristics of the liquid. This makes it possible to determine the proper liquid end for each liquid.

The information regarding the manufacturing time is, for example, the manufacturing date of the liquid container.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a liquid container installation part in which a liquid container having a liquid chamber for containing a liquid and a storage part for storing information on a liquid sedimentation state in the liquid chamber is installed, and a nozzle opening. The head member, the liquid communication path that connects the inside of the liquid chamber of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation section and the nozzle opening, and the information stored in the storage section of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation section An information reading section for reading the liquid, a liquid discharging section for discharging the liquid in the nozzle opening, and a liquid discharging control section for controlling the liquid discharging section based on the information about the liquid settling state in the liquid chamber read by the information reading section, And a liquid ejecting apparatus.

According to the present invention, since the liquid discharge section is controlled based on the information regarding the liquid settling state in the liquid chamber, appropriate liquid discharge can be performed when the liquid container is replaced.

Alternatively, according to the present invention, a liquid container installation section in which a liquid container having a liquid chamber for containing a liquid and a storage unit for storing information on a sedimentation state of the liquid in the liquid chamber is installed, and a nozzle opening are provided. The head member, the liquid communication path that connects the inside of the liquid chamber of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation section and the nozzle opening, and the information stored in the storage section of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation section Based on the information about the liquid settling state in the liquid chamber read by the information reading unit, the liquid consumption amount integrating unit that integrates the liquid consumption amount from the nozzle opening, and the liquid consumption amount. A liquid ejecting apparatus, comprising:

According to the present invention, the liquid end is discriminated based on the information regarding the sedimentation state of the liquid in the liquid chamber and the liquid consumption amount. Therefore, the liquid end at the liquid concentration of a predetermined level can be properly discriminated. .

Alternatively, the present invention is a liquid container in which a liquid container having a plurality of liquid chambers respectively accommodating a plurality of types of liquids and a storage unit for storing information on the liquid sedimentation state in each liquid chamber is installed. An installation part, a head member having a plurality of nozzle openings, a plurality of liquid communication passages for communicating the inside of each liquid chamber of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation part with each nozzle opening, and a liquid container installation part Information reading section for reading information stored in the storage section of the liquid container installed in the liquid container, a plurality of liquid discharging sections for discharging the respective liquids of the plurality of nozzle openings, and liquids in the respective liquid chambers read by the information reading section. And a liquid discharge control unit that controls each of the plurality of liquid discharge units based on the information regarding the sedimentation state.

According to the present invention, since each liquid discharge section is controlled based on the information relating to the liquid settling state in each liquid chamber, appropriate liquid discharge for each liquid can be carried out when the liquid container is replaced. .

Alternatively, the present invention uses a plurality of types of liquids.
Multiple liquid chambers to store and liquid in each liquid chamber
A storage unit that stores information about the sedimentation state of
Liquid container installation part where liquid container is installed and multiple nozzles
Installed in the liquid container installation part, with the head member having an opening
The inside of each liquid chamber of the liquid container and each nozzle opening.
Installed in the liquid container installation section
The information stored in the storage section of the liquid container
The information reading unit and the liquid consumption of each liquid from the nozzle opening are multiplied.
The information reading unit and multiple liquid consumption integrating units that calculate
Information about the sedimentation state of the liquid in each liquid chamber and before
The liquid end of each liquid is determined based on the amount of each liquid consumed.
A liquid end discriminating section for
It is a body injection device.

According to the present invention, since the liquid end is determined on the basis of the information regarding the settling state of the liquid in each liquid chamber and each liquid consumption amount, the liquid end of each liquid at a predetermined liquid concentration can be determined. It can be properly determined.

The liquid discharge section is a cleaning section for discharging the liquid by sucking it from the nozzle opening. Alternatively, the liquid discharging unit is a flushing unit that discharges the liquid by discharging it from the nozzle opening.

The liquid contained in the liquid container is, for example, pigment ink. In this case, the liquid container may contain the ink in a form of containing the foam material filled with the ink.

[0042]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus (an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus) according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a printing mechanism inside the apparatus. Is. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inkjet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a housing 3, a carriage 11 on which a black ink cartridge 1 (liquid container) and a color ink cartridge 2 (liquid container) are placed.
It has and.

As shown in FIG. 1, an operation panel 4 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 3. In this case, the operation panel 4
Includes a power switch 5, an ink cartridge replacement command switch 6, a black ink cleaning command switch 7, a color ink cleaning command switch 8, a black ink ink end indicator 9 and a color ink ink end indicator 1.
0 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, the carriage 11 includes a carriage drive motor 13 via a timing belt 12.
And is slidably supported by the guide member 14. The guide member 14 is arranged parallel to the platen 15. As a result, the carriage 11 can reciprocate in parallel with the platen 15. This moving direction is called the main operating direction.

On the lower surface of the carriage 11, a black ink recording head 17 having a plurality of nozzle openings for ejecting black ink and three color inks of yellow, magenta and cyan are ejected. And a color ink recording head 18 in which a plurality of nozzle openings are arranged.

A recording medium 16 such as recording paper is movably supported on the surfaces where the black ink recording head 17 and the color ink recording head 18 face each other so as to be movable in the direction orthogonal to the main operation direction. This direction is called the sub-operation direction.

A part of the non-printing area of the recording heads 17 and 18 (right side area in FIG. 2) is provided in the capping unit 19.
(Cleaning unit) is arranged. The capping unit 19 includes a cap 20a for sealing the nozzle openings of the black ink recording head 17 and a cap 20b for sealing the nozzle openings of the color ink recording head 18 for each color.
.About.20d.

In this case, these caps 20a to 20
d is mounted on the same slider 21 and is driven by a motor or the like and has four consecutive pump units 23a to 23a.
23d (cleaning portion) via tubes (not shown), respectively. As a result, each of the caps 20a to 20d is independently supplied with a negative pressure to suck ink from the corresponding nozzle opening of each color of the recording heads 17 and 18, that is, perform a cleaning process (liquid discharge process). It has become.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the black ink cartridge 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the black ink cartridge 1
Has an ink chamber 1a for accommodating the black ink, and an ink supply port 26 that can connect the ink chamber 1a and the ink communication passage 17a of the black ink recording head 17 is provided on the bottom surface 25. Further, the bottom surface 25 is provided with a semiconductor memory means 27 (memory unit) which is an electrically rewritable memory device. An electrical contact 33 for accessing the semiconductor memory means 27 is also provided on the bottom surface 25.

In this case, the semiconductor storage means 27 stores information regarding the time of manufacture of the black ink cartridge 1, for example, the date of manufacture and the information regarding the characteristics of the ink contained in the ink chamber 1a. A black pigment ink is stored in the ink chamber 1a in a form in which the foam material is infiltrated.

On the other hand, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the color ink cartridge 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the color ink cartridge 2 includes an ink chamber 2 that individually stores yellow, magenta, and cyan inks as color inks.
a, 2b, 2c, and each ink chamber 2a, 2b,
2c and the ink communication path 1 of the color ink recording head 18
The ink supply ports 29 to 31 that can be connected to the
8 is provided. Further, on the bottom surface 28, a semiconductor memory means 32 which is an electrically rewritable memory device.
(Memory unit) is provided. Further, the semiconductor storage means 3
Electrical contacts 34 for access to 2 are also provided on the bottom surface 28.

In this case, the semiconductor memory means 32 stores the information regarding the manufacturing time of the color ink cartridge 2, for example, the manufacturing date and the information regarding the characteristics of the ink contained in each of the ink chambers 2a to 2c. There is. Each of the ink chambers 2a to 2c contains the pigment ink of each color in a form in which the foam material is infiltrated.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a head holder 35 (liquid container installation portion) to which the cartridges 1 and 2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are mounted. As shown in FIG. 5, the head holder 35 includes the electrical contacts 3 of the cartridges 1 and 2.
Electrical contacts 36 and 37 capable of making electrical contact with 3 and 34
Is provided. These electrical contacts 36 and 37 are
It is connected to information reading units 38 and 39 for reading the information stored in the semiconductor storage units 27 and 32, respectively. The information reading units 38 and 39 are connected to a control device 41 (see FIG. 2) of the recording apparatus main body by a flexible cable 40.

The semiconductor storage means 27 and 32 may be non-writable read-only storage means. Alternatively, when these are writable storage means, the information reading units 38 and 39 may have a writing function to the semiconductor recording means 27 and 32.

Specifically, the semiconductor recording means 27 and 32
Can be composed of an IC chip. However, the semiconductor recording means 27 and 32 may be a bar code, a magnetic tape, or the like.
It may be replaced with any known storage member. In that case, the modes of the information reading units 38 and 39 can also be changed according to each storage member.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of the control device 41. As shown in FIG. 6, when the ink cartridges 1 and 2 of the carriage 11 face each other, the pressing switch 43,
44 are provided respectively. Each push switch 43,
The reference numeral 44 is connected to the ink cartridge exchange determination section 42 so as to determine whether or not the ink cartridges 1 and 2 have been exchanged.

The carriage motor control unit 45 receives the control from the main control unit 46 and moves the carriage 11 to the platen 1.
It is designed to move in parallel with 5.

The suction controller 47 (control main body of the cleaning (liquid discharge) controller) is controlled by the main controller 46 to cap the nozzle openings of the recording heads 17 and 18 via the carriage motor controller 45. While being sealed by the unit 19, the suction force and the suction time of each suction pump 23a to 23d are controlled via the pump drive section 48.

The print / flushing control section 49 drives the head drive section 50 based on print data from a host (not shown) to appropriately eject ink droplets from the nozzle openings of the print heads 17 and 18 for printing. Is designed to run. Further, the head drive unit 50 is driven according to the degree of thickening of the ink, and the ink in the nozzle opening portions of the recording heads 17 and 18 is slightly vibrated to execute the flushing process.

The main controller 46 controls the carriage motor controller 4 based on print data from a host (not shown).
5, printing / flushing control unit 49 and suction control unit 47
To control. In addition, the main control unit 46,
It is connected to a clock function unit 46a that recognizes the current time. The clock function unit 46a may have its own clock function, but normally it is adapted to obtain clock information from the host.

Here, the main controller 46 of the present embodiment is
When the ink cartridge replacement determination unit 42 determines that the black ink cartridge 1 has been replaced, the information stored in the semiconductor storage means 27 of the new black ink cartridge 1, that is, the manufacturing date when the ink cartridge 1 is manufactured. Information regarding the date and the characteristics of the black ink contained in the ink cartridge 1 is acquired through the information reading unit 38.

Then, the calculation unit 46b (the calculation unit of the cleaning (liquid discharge) control unit and the ink end determination unit) provided in the main control unit 46 calculates the elapsed time from the acquired manufacturing date to the present time. It is designed to calculate.

Then, the calculation section 46b is adapted to calculate the initial suction amount of ink and the planned ink consumption amount based on the length of the elapsed time. This calculation method will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, the black ink contained in the ink chamber 1a of the ink cartridge 1 immediately after manufacturing has substantially the same ink concentration in the upper portion and the bottom portion. However, after the manufacture, the predetermined direction (ink supply port 2
If the state of being stored in the direction 6 is downward) continues,
Due to the influence of the sedimentation of the pigment due to gravity, the ink density becomes high at the bottom of the ink chamber 1a and becomes low at the upper part, as indicated by the arrow in FIG.

Therefore, when a predetermined time or more has passed after the manufacturing, the ink A at the bottom of the ink chamber 1a has an extremely high ink density, and it is difficult to perform high quality recording. Therefore, in order to discharge the ink A as described above by the cleaning process, the initial suction amount (initial discharge amount) of the ink is set to be large for the area A in accordance with the length of elapsed time.

The main controller 46 and the suction controller 47 control the suction pump 23a in accordance with the initial suction amount of the ink, and execute the ink filling / suction process when the ink cartridge is replaced.

On the contrary, when a predetermined time or more has passed after the manufacturing, the ink B in the upper portion of the ink chamber 1a has an extremely low ink density, and thus it is difficult to perform high quality recording. Therefore, in order to positively avoid the use of the ink B, the planned ink consumption amount is set to be smaller by the area B.

The main controller 46 sends the planned ink consumption amount to the ink end controller 51.
The ink end control section 51 will be described later.

Similarly, the main controller 46 of the present embodiment is
When the ink cartridge replacement determination unit 42 determines that the color ink cartridge 2 has been replaced, the information stored in the semiconductor storage means 32 of the new color ink cartridge 2, that is, the manufacturing date when the ink cartridge 2 is manufactured. Information regarding the date and the characteristics of each ink contained in the ink cartridge 2 is stored in the information reading unit 39.
To get through.

Then, the calculation section 46b provided in the main control section 46 calculates the elapsed time from the acquired manufacturing date to the current time.

Then, the calculation section 46b is adapted to calculate the initial ink suction amount and the planned ink consumption amount for each color based on the length of the elapsed time. This calculation method is substantially the same as the method described above with reference to FIG.

That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the inks contained in the ink chambers 2a to 2c of the ink cartridge 2 immediately after manufacturing have substantially the same ink concentration in the upper portion and the bottom portion, but after the manufacturing, When the state of being stored in a predetermined direction (the direction in which the ink supply ports 29 to 31 are downward) continues, the ink concentration becomes high at the bottoms of the ink chambers 2a to 2c due to the effect of the pigment settling due to gravity.
The ink density is low in the upper part.

Therefore, when a predetermined time or more has elapsed after the manufacture, the ink A at the bottom of the ink chambers 2a to 2c has an extremely high ink density, and it is difficult to perform high quality recording. Therefore, in order to discharge such ink A by the cleaning process, the initial suction amount of each ink is set to be large for the area A according to the length of elapsed time.

The main control section 46 and the suction control section 47 correspond to the respective suction pumps 2 corresponding to the initial suction amounts of the respective inks.
By controlling 3b to 23d, the filling and sucking process of each ink at the time of exchanging the ink cartridge is executed.

On the contrary, when a predetermined time or more has passed after the manufacturing, the ink B in the upper portion of the ink chambers 2a to 2c has an extremely low ink density, and it is difficult to perform high quality recording. Therefore, in order to positively avoid the use of the ink B, the planned ink consumption amount of each ink is set to be smaller by the area B.

The main controller 46 sends the planned ink consumption amount to the ink end controller 51.

The ink end controller 51 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of the ink end controller 51. As shown in FIG. 8, the ink end control unit 51 calculates the black ink consumption amount integration unit 51a that integrates the black ink consumption amount, the expected black ink consumption amount storage unit 52a, and the ink consumption amount of each color. The color ink consumption amount integrating units 51b to 51d for integrating respectively, the expected ink consumption amount storage units 52b to 52d for each color, the black ink remaining amount comparing unit 53, and the color ink remaining amount comparing unit 54.
And have.

The ink consumption amount integrating units 51a to 51d are
For each color, the sum of the ink ejection amount ejected for recording (the sum of the product of the ejection number and the ejection amount of each ejection) and the ink suction amount adsorbed by the cleaning process is integrated.

Expected ink consumption storage units 52a to 52d
Is stored with the value sent from the main control unit 46 as described above.

The black ink remaining amount comparing section 53 (determination main body section of the liquid end determining section) has a black ink consumption amount accumulated by the black ink consumption amount accumulating section 51a and an estimated ink consumption amount storage section 5.
Compare the planned consumption of black ink stored in 2a,
When the former exceeds the latter, the ink end of black ink is discriminated and the signal is sent to the black ink ink end indicator 9.

The color ink remaining amount comparing section 54 (discriminating main body section of the liquid end discriminating section) includes a color ink consumption integrating section 5
1b to 51d are compared with the ink consumption amounts of the respective color inks and the expected ink consumption amounts stored in the expected ink consumption amount storage units 52b to 52d, respectively. ) Is present, the ink end of the ink is discriminated and the signal is sent to the color ink ink end indicator 10.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment having the above structure will be described.

When the black ink cartridge 1 is replaced,
The ink cartridge replacement determination unit 42 has a pressing switch 43.
It is determined that the black ink cartridge 1 has been replaced by a signal from.

Then, the main control section 46 causes the information stored in the semiconductor storage means 27 of the new black ink cartridge 1, that is, the date of manufacture of the ink cartridge 1 and the black contained in the ink cartridge 1. Information regarding the characteristics of the ink is acquired via the information reading unit 38.

Next, the arithmetic unit 4 provided in the main control unit 46
6b calculates the elapsed time from the acquired manufacturing date to the current time. Further, the calculation unit 46b calculates the initial suction amount of black ink and the planned ink consumption amount based on the length of the elapsed time.

When a predetermined time or more has elapsed after manufacturing, the ink A (see FIG. 7) at the bottom of the ink chamber 1a has an extremely high ink density, and it is difficult to perform high quality recording. In order to discharge such ink A by the cleaning process, the initial suction amount of ink is set larger by the amount corresponding to the area A according to the length of elapsed time.

On the contrary, when a predetermined time or more has elapsed after the manufacturing, the ink B (see FIG. 7) in the upper portion of the ink chamber 1a has an extremely low ink density, and it is difficult to perform high quality recording. Therefore, in order to positively avoid using such an ink B, the expected ink consumption is in the area B.
It is set less by the amount of. The main control unit 46 sends the planned ink consumption amount to the ink end control unit 51 and stores it in the planned ink consumption amount storage unit 52a.

The main control section 46 and the suction control section 47 control the suction pump 23a in accordance with the obtained initial suction amount of the ink, and execute the black ink filling / suction process when the ink cartridge is replaced.

In the subsequent process of using the recording apparatus, the ink consumption amount accumulating section 51a determines the ejection amount of the black ink ejected from the nozzle openings for recording (the sum of the ejection number and the ejection amount of each ejection) and The sum of the amounts of black ink sucked by the cleaning process is added up.

Then, the black ink remaining amount comparing unit 53 compares the black ink consumption amount accumulated by the black ink consumption amount accumulating unit 51a and the expected black ink consumption amount stored in the expected ink consumption amount storage unit 52a. In comparison, when the former exceeds the latter, the ink end of black ink is determined, and the signal is sent to the black ink ink end indicator 9.

Similarly, when the color ink cartridge 2 is replaced, the ink cartridge replacement determining section 42 determines that the color ink cartridge 2 has been replaced by a signal from the pressing switch 44.

Then, the main control section 46 stores the information stored in the semiconductor storage means 32 of the new color ink cartridge 2, that is, the date of manufacture of the ink cartridge 2 and each of the information stored in the ink cartridge 2. Information relating to the characteristics of the color ink is read by the information reading unit 39.
To get through.

Next, the arithmetic unit 4 provided in the main control unit 46
6b calculates the elapsed time from the acquired manufacturing date to the current time. Further, the calculation unit 46b calculates the initial suction amount and the planned ink consumption amount of each color ink based on the length of the elapsed time.

When a predetermined time or more has passed after manufacturing, the ink A (see FIG. 7) at the bottom of each ink chamber 2a to 2c has an extremely high ink density, and it is difficult to perform high quality recording. Therefore, in order to discharge such ink A by the cleaning process, the initial suction amount of each ink is set to be large for the area A in accordance with the length of elapsed time.

On the other hand, when a predetermined time or more has elapsed after manufacturing, the ink B (see FIG. 7) above each of the ink chambers 2a to 2c has an extremely low ink density, and recording should be performed with high quality. Therefore, in order to positively avoid the use of the ink B, the planned consumption amount of each ink is set to be smaller by the area B. Main controller 46
The ink end control unit 51
And store them in the planned ink consumption storage units 52b to 52d, respectively.

The main controller 46 and the suction controller 47 are adapted to the suction pumps 23b-2b according to the obtained initial suction amount of each ink.
3d is controlled to execute the filling / sucking process of each color ink when the ink cartridge is replaced.

In the subsequent process of using the recording apparatus, the ink consumption amount accumulating units 51b to 51d cause the amount of each color ink ejected from the nozzle openings for recording and the amount of each color ink sucked by the cleaning process. The sum of the quantities is added up for each color.

Then, the color ink remaining amount comparing section 54
The consumption amount of each ink accumulated by the respective color ink consumption amount accumulating units 51b to 51d, and the expected ink consumption amount storage unit 52b.
.. to 52d are compared with the respective expected ink consumption amounts, and when the former has a color exceeding the latter, the ink end of the ink (color) is discriminated, and the signal is displayed as a color ink ink end. Send to vessel 10.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the suction pumps 23a to 23d are controlled based on the information regarding the manufacturing time of the ink cartridges 1 and 2, it is appropriate when the ink cartridges 1 and 2 are replaced. Ink filling and suction processing (cleaning) can be performed.

In the present embodiment, the calculation unit 46b calculates the elapsed time from the manufacturing date of the ink cartridges 1 and 2 to the present time, and the initial suction amount of ink is determined according to the length of the elapsed time. Suction pumps 23a-23 to increase
Since the d is controlled, if the density of the ink that is first introduced into the nozzle opening is higher than a predetermined level because the elapsed time from the manufacturing time is long, the ink is sucked (cleaned). It can be discharged.

Further, in the color ink cartridge 2, the suction pumps 23b to 23d are controlled for each of the inks contained in the ink chambers 2a to 2c on the basis of the information on the manufacturing time of the ink cartridge 2. When replacing the ink cartridge, an appropriate filling / suction process (cleaning) for each ink can be performed.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the ink end is discriminated based on the information about the manufacturing time of the ink cartridges 1 and 2 and the ink consumption amount, so that the ink end at the predetermined level of ink density is determined. It can be properly determined.

In the present embodiment, the calculation unit 46b calculates the elapsed time from the manufacturing date of the ink cartridges 1 and 2 to the current time, and the ink consumption is reduced with a smaller ink consumption amount according to the length of the elapsed time. Since the end is discriminated, it is possible to discriminate the ink end before the consumption of the ink when the remaining low ink density is lower than the predetermined level because the elapsed time from the manufacturing time is long. is there.

Further, regarding the color ink cartridge 2, the ink end is determined for each of the inks contained in the ink chambers 2a to 2c based on the information about the manufacturing time of the ink cartridge 2 and the consumption amount of each ink. Therefore, it is possible to determine the appropriate ink end for each ink.

In this embodiment, since the sum of the ink ejection amount from the nozzle opening and the ink suction amount is integrated as the ink consumption amount, the ink consumption amount can be grasped more accurately.

Next, an ink jet recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a printing mechanism inside the ink jet recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing a control system of the apparatus of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the capping unit 19 of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment comprises a cap 20a for sealing the nozzle opening of the black ink recording head 17 and a color ink recording head. 18
And a cap 20e for commonly sealing the nozzle openings.

In this case, these caps 20a, 20
e is mounted on the same slider 21 and has a dual pump unit 23a driven by a motor or the like.
23e (cleaning unit) is connected via a tube (not shown). As a result, the caps 20a and 20e are independently supplied with negative pressure to suck ink from the nozzle openings of the corresponding recording heads 17 and 18, that is, to perform a cleaning process.

Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIGS.
The configuration is similar to that of the above embodiment. In the second embodiment, the same parts as those in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Also in this embodiment, when the color ink cartridge 2 is replaced, the ink cartridge replacement determining section 42 determines that the color ink cartridge 2 has been replaced by a signal from the pressing switch 44.

Then, the main control section 46 causes the information stored in the semiconductor storage means 32 of the new color ink cartridge 2, that is, the date of manufacture of the ink cartridge 2 and each of the information stored in the ink cartridge 2. Information relating to the characteristics of the color ink is read by the information reading unit 39.
To get through.

Next, the arithmetic unit 4 provided in the main control unit 46
6b calculates the elapsed time from the acquired manufacturing date to the current time. Further, the calculation unit 46b calculates the initial suction amount and the planned ink consumption amount of each color ink based on the length of the elapsed time.

The main control section 46 sends the planned ink consumption amounts to the ink end control section 51 and stores them in the planned ink consumption amount storage sections 52b to 52d.

The main control section 46 and the suction control section 47 control the suction pump 23e in accordance with the maximum initial suction amount of the obtained initial suction amounts of the respective inks, so that each color ink when replacing the ink cartridge is replaced. The filling / sucking process is executed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the suction pumps 23a and 23e are controlled on the basis of the information regarding the time of manufacture of the ink cartridges 1 and 2, so that it is appropriate when the ink cartridges 1 and 2 are replaced. Ink filling and suction processing (cleaning) can be performed.

In the present embodiment, the calculation unit 46b calculates the elapsed time from the manufacturing date of the ink cartridges 1 and 2 to the present time, and the initial suction amount of the ink is determined according to the length of the elapsed time. Suction pumps 23a, 23
Since the e is controlled, if the density of the ink that is first introduced into the nozzle opening is higher than a predetermined level because the elapsed time from the manufacturing time is long, the ink is sucked (cleaned). It can be discharged.

In particular, for the color ink cartridge 2, the suction pump 23e is controlled in common for each ink contained in the ink chambers 2a to 2c, based on the information regarding the time of manufacture of the ink cartridge 2. A simple filling / suction process (cleaning) can be performed when the ink cartridge is replaced.

Next, an ink jet recording apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a printing mechanism inside an ink jet recording apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram showing a control system of the apparatus of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the capping unit 19 of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment shares the nozzle opening of the black ink recording head 17 with the nozzle opening of the color ink recording head 18. It has a cap 20g for sealing.

In this case, the common cap 20g is mounted on the slider 21 and is connected to a single pump unit 23g (cleaning portion) driven by a motor or the like via a tube (not shown). . As a result, the cap 20g receives negative pressure and sucks ink from all nozzle openings of the recording heads 17 and 18, that is, performs a cleaning process.

Other structures are the same as those of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. In the third embodiment, the same parts as those in the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Also in this embodiment, when the black ink cartridge 1 is replaced, the ink cartridge replacement determination section 42 determines that the black ink cartridge 1 has been replaced by a signal from the pressing switch 43.

Then, the main control unit 46 causes the information stored in the semiconductor storage means 27 of the new black ink cartridge 1, that is, the date of manufacture of the ink cartridge 1 and the black contained in the ink cartridge 1. Information regarding the characteristics of the ink is acquired via the information reading unit 38.

Next, the arithmetic unit 4 provided in the main control unit 46
6b calculates the elapsed time from the acquired manufacturing date to the current time. Further, the calculation unit 46b calculates the initial suction amount of black ink and the planned ink consumption amount based on the length of the elapsed time.

The main control unit 46 sends the planned ink consumption amount to the ink end control unit 51 and stores it in the planned ink consumption amount storage unit 52a.

The main control section 46 and the suction control section 47 control the suction pump 23g in accordance with the obtained initial suction amount of the ink, and execute the black ink filling / suction process when the ink cartridge is replaced.

Similarly, when the color ink cartridge 2 is replaced, the ink cartridge replacement determining section 42 determines that the color ink cartridge 2 has been replaced by a signal from the pressing switch 44.

Then, the main control section 46 causes the information stored in the semiconductor storage means 32 of the new color ink cartridge 2, that is, the date of manufacture of the ink cartridge 2 and each of the ink cartridge 2 to store the information. Information relating to the characteristics of the color ink is read by the information reading unit 39.
To get through.

Next, the arithmetic unit 4 provided in the main control unit 46
6b calculates the elapsed time from the acquired manufacturing date to the current time. Further, the calculation unit 46b calculates the initial suction amount and the planned ink consumption amount of each color ink based on the length of the elapsed time.

The main controller 46 sends the planned ink consumption amounts to the ink end controller 51 and stores them in the planned ink consumption amount storage units 52b to 52d.

The main control unit 46 and the suction control unit 47 control the suction pump 23g according to the maximum initial suction amount of the obtained initial suction amounts of the respective inks to fill each color ink when replacing the ink cartridge. Perform suction processing.

When the black ink cartridge 1 and the color ink cartridge 2 are simultaneously replaced, the suction pump 23g is controlled in accordance with the maximum initial suction amount of the black ink and the color inks. The filling / sucking process of each color ink when the cartridge is replaced is executed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the suction pump 23g is controlled based on the information regarding the manufacturing time of the ink cartridges 1 and 2, when the ink cartridges 1 and 2 are replaced, the appropriate ink The filling and suctioning process (cleaning) can be performed.

In the present embodiment, the calculation unit 46b calculates the elapsed time from the manufacturing date of the ink cartridges 1 and 2 to the present time, and the initial suction amount of ink is determined according to the length of the elapsed time. Since the suction pump 23g is controlled so as to increase, the ink that is first introduced into the nozzle opening when the concentration of the ink introduced into the nozzle opening is high beyond a predetermined level because the elapsed time from the manufacturing time is long, the ink concerned is increased. Can be discharged by suction (cleaning).

In each of the above embodiments, the black ink recording head 17 and the color ink recording head 18 are separately configured, but they may be integrally formed.

In each of the above embodiments, the cleaning section operates as the liquid discharging section, but the flushing section may operate as the liquid discharging section. Here, the flushing unit mainly includes the capping unit 19 and the print / flushing control unit 49.

In this case, for example, the printing / flushing control section 49 is controlled by the main control section 46 to seal the nozzle openings of the recording heads 17 and 18 by the capping unit 19 via the carriage motor control section 45. The head drive unit 50 is driven to eject the same amount of ink as the initial suction amount of each ink from the nozzle opening.

Even by such flushing processing,
It is possible to preferably execute the filling process of each ink when the ink cartridge is replaced.

In each of the above embodiments, the initial suction amount and the expected consumption amount of each ink are determined based on the date of manufacture of the ink cartridge. However, more broadly, the initial suction amount and the planned consumption amount of each ink may be determined based on other information regarding the sedimentation state of the ink in the ink chamber.

For example, the semiconductor storage means 27 of the black ink cartridge 1 can store sedimentation characteristic information as a characteristic of the black ink contained in the ink cartridge 1. In this case, the main control unit 46 of each of the above-described embodiments
When the ink cartridge installation determination unit 42 determines that the black ink cartridge 1 has been installed, the information stored in the semiconductor storage means 27 of the new black ink cartridge 1, that is, the manufacture in which the ink cartridge 1 is manufactured. The date and the sedimentation characteristic information about the black ink contained in the ink cartridge 1 are recorded in the information reading unit 38.
To get through.

For example, the calculation unit 46b provided in the main control unit 46 calculates the elapsed time from the acquired manufacturing date to the present time, and based on the length of this elapsed time, the initial suction of ink. It is designed to calculate the quantity. This calculation method will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 13 shows an ink cartridge of
It is a graph which measured the OD value about the ink ejected after standing still for 2 years after manufacture. The OD value is an index that is substantially proportional to the ink density.

As shown in FIG. 13, the consumed ink amount is 0 to
In the range of 5g, the OD value rapidly increased,
In the range of 20 g, the OD value gradually decreases and thereafter stabilizes at a predetermined level. Therefore, in this case, it is preferable that the initial suction amount of ink is at least 5 g or more.

The degree of deviation of the OD value from the predetermined level as shown in FIG. 13 depends on the duration of the ink sedimentation phenomenon, in this case, the elapsed time from the manufacturing date to the present time.

Therefore, when a predetermined time or more has passed after the manufacture, the initial suction amount of the ink depends on the elapsed time after the manufacture so that the ink having the density difference caused by the ink sedimentation phenomenon is discharged by the cleaning process. And many are set. Here, in addition to the length of time elapsed after manufacturing, sedimentation characteristic information of black ink (ease of occurrence of sedimentation phenomenon) can be considered. In this case, the calculation unit 46b functions as a sedimentation state estimation unit.

Alternatively, when the ink cartridge installation determination unit 42 determines that the black ink cartridge 1 has been installed, the main control unit 46 uses the clock function unit 46a to acquire the information regarding the installation time.

Depending on the form of the ink cartridge, the settling state of the ink in the narrow channel portion of the ink cartridge may be caused by the user shaking the ink cartridge up and down or turning it before installing the ink cartridge. Sometimes it can be resolved. In such a case, the ink sedimentation phenomenon, which may be a problem in the subsequent inkjet recording apparatus, continues from the time when the ink cartridge is installed.

Therefore, in this case, preferably, the arithmetic unit 46b provided in the main control unit 46 calculates the elapsed time from the acquired installation time to the current time.

Then, the calculation section 46b is adapted to calculate the initial ink suction amount based on the length of the elapsed time. This calculation can also be performed based on the data measured in advance as shown in FIG. Also in this case, the sedimentation characteristic information of the black ink can be considered in addition to the length of elapsed time.

Alternatively, the main control unit 46 may be the clock function unit 4
Information regarding the previous black ink ejection is acquired using 6a.

Depending on the mode of use of the ink jet recording apparatus, the use of black ink may be interrupted for a long time after the last time black ink was ejected. In such cases,
The ink settling phenomenon, which may be a problem in the subsequent inkjet recording apparatus, continues from the time of the previous ink ejection.

Therefore, in this case, preferably, the calculation unit 46b provided in the main control unit 46 calculates the elapsed time from the acquired last ink ejection time to the current time.

Then, the calculation unit 46b is adapted to calculate the initial suction amount of ink based on the length of the elapsed time. This calculation can also be performed based on the data measured in advance as shown in FIG. Also in this case, the sedimentation characteristic information of the black ink can be considered in addition to the length of elapsed time.

Alternatively, when the ink cartridge can be agitated by an agitating mechanism or the like, information regarding the last time the ink cartridge was agitated can be stored in the semiconductor storage means 27 of the ink cartridge. In this case, the information is
It can be acquired via the information reading unit 38.

Alternatively, when a stirring mechanism for stirring the ink cartridge is provided in the ink jet storage device, the main control section 46 uses the clock function section 46a,
Information about the last time the ink cartridge was stirred may be acquired.

In the above case, it is preferable to utilize the stirring mechanism to always eliminate the ink sedimentation state before ink ejection. However, the use of the stirring mechanism and the cleaning (suction) of the ink having the difference in density are
In some cases, it may be selectively made in consideration of various factors such as cost. In such a case, the sedimentation phenomenon of the ink, which may be a problem in the inkjet recording apparatus, continues from the time of the previous stirring.

Therefore, in this case, preferably, the calculation unit 46b provided in the main control unit 46 calculates the elapsed time from the acquired last stirring time to the current time.

Then, the calculation section 46b is adapted to calculate the initial suction amount of ink based on the length of the elapsed time. This calculation can also be performed based on the data measured in advance as shown in FIG. Also in this case, the sedimentation characteristic information of the black ink can be considered in addition to the length of elapsed time.

The main control section 46 and the suction control section 47 control the suction pump 23a in accordance with the obtained initial suction amount of the black ink so as to execute the ink filling / suction processing when the ink cartridge is installed. There is.

Similarly, for example, when the main controller 46 of each of the above-described embodiments determines that the color ink cartridge 2 has been installed by the ink cartridge installation determination unit 42, the semiconductor memory of the new color ink cartridge 2 is stored. The information stored in the means 32, that is, the manufacturing date when the ink cartridge 2 is manufactured and the sedimentation characteristic information of each ink contained in the ink cartridge 2 are acquired through the information reading unit 39. Has become.

Then, the calculation section 46b provided in the main control section 46 calculates the elapsed time from the acquired manufacturing date to the current time.

Then, the calculation section 46b is adapted to calculate the initial suction amount of each color ink based on the length of this elapsed time. The details of this calculation are substantially the same as in the case of black ink. Here, in addition to the length of elapsed time, it is preferable to consider the sedimentation characteristic information of each color ink (ease of sedimentation).

Alternatively, when the ink cartridge installation determination unit 42 determines that the color ink cartridge 2 has been installed, the main control unit 46 uses the clock function unit 46a to acquire the information regarding the installation time.

In this case, the calculation unit 46b provided in the main control unit 46 calculates the elapsed time from the acquired installation time to the current time.

Then, the calculating section 46b is adapted to calculate the initial suction amount of ink based on the length of this elapsed time. This calculation can also be performed based on the data measured in advance as shown in FIG. Also in this case, the sedimentation characteristic information of each color ink can be considered in addition to the length of elapsed time.

Alternatively, the main control section 46 is provided with the clock function section 4
By using 6a, the information regarding the previous color ink ejection is acquired.

In this case, the calculation section 46b provided in the main control section 46 calculates the elapsed time from the acquired previous color ink ejection time point to the current time point.

Then, the calculation unit 46b is adapted to calculate the initial suction amount of ink based on the length of this elapsed time. This calculation can also be performed based on the data measured in advance as shown in FIG. Also in this case, the sedimentation characteristic information of each color ink can be considered in addition to the length of elapsed time.

Alternatively, when the color ink cartridge can be agitated by an agitating mechanism or the like, the information regarding the last time the ink cartridge was agitated can be stored in the semiconductor storage means 32 of the ink cartridge. In this case, the information can be acquired via the information reading unit 39.

Alternatively, in the case where a stirring mechanism for stirring the color ink cartridges is provided in the ink jet storage device, the main control unit 46 uses the clock function unit 46a to obtain the information regarding the previous stirring of the ink cartridges. You may.

In these cases, the calculation unit 46b provided in the main control unit 46 calculates the elapsed time from the acquired last stirring time to the current time.

Then, the calculation section 46b is adapted to calculate the initial ink suction amount based on the length of the elapsed time. This calculation can also be performed based on the data measured in advance as shown in FIG. Also in this case, the sedimentation characteristic information of each color ink can be considered in addition to the length of elapsed time.

The main controller 46 and the suction controller 47 are adapted to the suction pumps 23b-2b in accordance with the obtained initial suction amount of each ink.
3d is controlled to execute the ink filling / suction process when the ink cartridge is installed.

Next, the operation in the above case will be described.

When the black ink cartridge 1 is installed (replaced), the ink cartridge installation determination unit 42 determines that the black ink cartridge 1 has been installed (replaced) based on a signal from the pressing switch 43.

Then, the main control unit 46 causes the information stored in the semiconductor storage means 27 of the new black ink cartridge 1, that is, the date of manufacture of the ink cartridge 1 to be black, which the black ink cartridge 1 contains. Information about the sedimentation characteristics of the ink, information regarding the previous stirring of the ink cartridge, and the like are acquired via the information reading unit 38.

Next, the arithmetic unit 4 provided in the main control unit 46.
6b calculates the elapsed time from the acquired manufacturing date to the current time. Alternatively, the elapsed time from the time when the ink cartridge is installed to the current time is calculated. Alternatively, the elapsed time from the previous ejection time of black ink to the current time is calculated. Alternatively, the elapsed time from the time of the previous stirring of the ink cartridge to the current time is calculated.

Further, the calculation unit 46b estimates the sedimentation state of the black ink based on the elapsed time and the sedimentation characteristic information of the black ink, and computes the initial suction amount of the black ink.

If the elapsed time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time,
It is estimated that the density difference is caused by the sedimentation phenomenon of the ink. For this reason, the initial suction amount of the ink is set to a large amount according to the length of the elapsed time in order to discharge the ink having the density that makes it difficult to perform high-quality recording by the cleaning process.

The main control section 46 and the suction control section 47 control the suction pump 23a in accordance with the obtained initial suction amount of ink, and execute the black ink filling and suction processing when the ink cartridge is installed.

Similarly, when the color ink cartridge 2 is installed (replaced), the ink cartridge installation determination unit 4
2 determines that the color ink cartridge 2 has been replaced by a signal from the pressing switch 44.

Then, the main control section 46 causes the information stored in the semiconductor memory means 32 of the new color ink cartridge 2, that is, the date of manufacture of the ink cartridge 2 to be stored in each of the ink cartridges 2 to be stored therein. Information on the sedimentation characteristics of the color inks, information on the previous stirring of the ink cartridges, and the like are acquired via the information reading unit 39.

Next, the arithmetic unit 4 provided in the main control unit 46.
6b calculates the elapsed time from the acquired manufacturing date to the current time. Alternatively, the elapsed time from the time when the ink cartridge is installed to the current time is calculated. Alternatively, the elapsed time from the previous ejection time of each ink to the current time is calculated. Alternatively, the elapsed time from the time of the previous stirring of the ink cartridge to the current time is calculated.

Further, the calculation unit 46b estimates the sedimentation state of each ink based on the length of the elapsed time and the sedimentation characteristic information of each ink, and calculates the initial suction amount of each ink.

When the elapsed time is a predetermined time or more,
It is estimated that the density difference is caused by the sedimentation phenomenon of the ink. For this reason, the initial suction amount of each ink is set to a large amount according to the length of the elapsed time in order to discharge the ink having a density that makes it difficult to perform high-quality recording by the cleaning process.

The main controller 46 and the suction controller 47 are adapted to the suction pumps 23b-2b according to the obtained initial suction amount of each ink.
By controlling 3d, the filling / sucking process of each color ink is executed when the ink cartridge is installed.

In the above case, the suction pumps 23a to 23d are controlled based on appropriate information regarding the sedimentation state of each ink in the ink cartridges 1 and 2. Even in this case,
Appropriate ink filling and suction processing (cleaning) can be performed at the time of installing the ink cartridges 1 and 2.

The present invention can be applied to any liquid ejecting apparatus other than the ink jet recording apparatus. As an example of the liquid, glue, nail polish or the like may be used in addition to the ink.

[0190]

As described above, according to the present invention, since the liquid discharge part is controlled based on the information regarding the manufacturing time of the liquid container, the liquid can be appropriately discharged when the liquid container is replaced.

Further, according to the present invention, since the liquid end is determined based on the information regarding the manufacturing time of the liquid container and the liquid consumption amount, the liquid end at the predetermined liquid concentration can be appropriately determined. .

Further, according to the present invention, since each liquid discharge portion is controlled based on the information regarding the manufacturing time of the liquid container, when the liquid container is replaced, the appropriate liquid discharge for each liquid can be performed.

Further, according to the present invention, since the liquid end is determined based on the information regarding the manufacturing time of the liquid container and each liquid consumption amount, the liquid end at the predetermined liquid concentration is properly determined. obtain.

Alternatively, according to the present invention, the liquid discharge section is controlled based on the information relating to the sedimentation state of the liquid in the liquid chamber, so that appropriate liquid discharge can be performed when the liquid container is replaced.

Alternatively, according to the present invention, the liquid end is discriminated based on the information regarding the sedimentation state of the liquid in the liquid chamber and the liquid consumption amount, so that the liquid end at the predetermined liquid concentration is properly discriminated. Can be done.

Alternatively, according to the present invention, since each liquid discharge section is controlled on the basis of the information relating to the settling state of the liquid in the liquid chamber, appropriate liquid discharge for each liquid is performed when the liquid container is replaced. obtain.

Alternatively, according to the present invention, since the liquid end is discriminated based on the information regarding the liquid settling state in the liquid chamber and each liquid consumption amount, the liquid end of each liquid at a predetermined liquid concentration is reached. Can be properly determined.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a first ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention.
3 is a schematic perspective view showing an embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a printing mechanism inside the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a black ink cartridge.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a three-color ink cartridge.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a holder in which an ink cartridge is mounted.

6 is a schematic block diagram showing a control system of the apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a change in ink density in an ink cartridge.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram showing an ink end controller of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a second ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention.
3 is a schematic perspective view showing an embodiment of FIG.

10 is a schematic block diagram showing a control system of the apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a third embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention.

12 is a schematic block diagram showing a control system of the apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a graph showing an example of an OD value for each ink amount consumed.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 black ink cartridge 2 color ink cartridge 3 housing 4 Operation panel 5 power switch 6 Ink cartridge replacement command switch 7 Black ink cleaning command switch 8 Color ink cleaning command switch 9 Black ink Ink end indicator 10 Color ink Ink end indicator 11 carriage 12 Timing belt 13 Carriage drive motor 14 Guide member 15 Platen 16 recording media 17 Black ink recording head 17a Ink communication passage 18 Color ink recording head 18a Ink communication passage 19 capping unit 20a-20d, 20e, 20g Cap 21 Slider 23a-23d, 23e, 23g Suction pump 27, 32 Semiconductor storage means 33, 34 electrical contacts 35 head holder 38, 39 Information reading unit 40 flexible cable 41 Control device 42 Ink cartridge replacement determination unit 43,44 Push switch 45 Carriage motor controller 46 Main control unit 46a Clock function section 46b Operation unit 47 Suction control unit 48 Pump drive 49 Printing / flushing controller 50 head drive 51 Ink end controller 51a to 51d Ink consumption amount calculation unit 52a to 52d Expected Ink Consumption Storage Unit 53 Black ink remaining amount comparison unit 54 Color ink level comparison unit

Claims (18)

(57) [Claims] 1. A liquid container installation part in which a liquid container having a liquid chamber for containing a liquid is installed, a head member having a nozzle opening, a liquid chamber inside the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation part, and a nozzle. A liquid communication passage that communicates with the opening, an information reading unit that reads the information stored in the storage unit that stores the sedimentation characteristic information of the liquid in the liquid chamber, a liquid discharge unit that discharges the liquid at the nozzle opening, and an information read A liquid ejection device comprising: a liquid ejection control unit that controls the liquid ejection unit based on liquid settling characteristic information in the liquid chamber read by the unit. 2. A liquid container installation section is provided with a liquid container having a liquid chamber for containing a liquid and a storage section for storing information regarding a manufacturing time of the liquid container, and an information reading section. Is configured to further read the information regarding the manufacturing time of the liquid container stored in the storage unit of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation unit, and the liquid discharge control unit is configured to read the information of the liquid container read by the information reading unit. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejecting unit is controlled based on the information regarding the manufacturing time and the liquid sedimentation characteristic information in the liquid chamber. 3. The liquid container installation unit is provided with a liquid chamber having a liquid chamber for accommodating the liquid, and a storage unit for storing information regarding a manufacturing time of the liquid container and sedimentation characteristic information of the liquid in the liquid chamber. The information reading unit reads the information stored in the storage unit of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation unit, and the liquid discharge control unit reads the liquid read by the information reading unit. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejecting section is controlled based on information regarding a manufacturing time of the container and sedimentation characteristic information of the liquid in the liquid chamber. 4. A timepiece function unit for recognizing the current time point, wherein the liquid discharge control unit calculates the elapsed time up to the current time point based on the information on the manufacturing time point, and the length of the elapsed time. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising: a control main body that controls the liquid discharge unit based on the liquid flow rate and liquid sedimentation characteristic information in the liquid chamber. 5. The control main body portion is provided when the liquid container is replaced.
According to the length of the elapsed time based on the information stored in the storage unit of the liquid container mounted after replacement, the liquid discharge unit is controlled so that the initial discharge amount of the liquid becomes larger. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 4. 6. A liquid container installation section in which a liquid container having a plurality of liquid chambers respectively containing a plurality of types of liquid is installed, a head member having a plurality of nozzle openings, and a liquid installed in the liquid container installation section. A plurality of liquid communication passages that respectively communicate the interior of each liquid chamber of the container and each nozzle opening, and an information reading unit that reads the information stored in the storage unit that stores the sedimentation characteristic information of each liquid in each liquid chamber, Liquid ejection control for controlling each liquid ejection unit based on the liquid ejection units ejecting each liquid from the nozzle openings and the sedimentation characteristic information of each liquid in each liquid chamber read by the information reading unit And a liquid ejecting apparatus. 7. A liquid container installation section is provided with a liquid container having a plurality of liquid chambers respectively accommodating a plurality of types of liquids and a storage section for storing information regarding the manufacturing time of the liquid container. The information reading unit is configured to further read the information regarding the manufacturing time of the liquid container stored in the storage unit of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation unit, and the liquid discharge control unit is configured to read the information reading unit. 7. The plurality of liquid discharge parts are respectively controlled based on the information about the manufacturing time of the liquid container and the settling characteristic information of each liquid in each liquid chamber read by the above. Liquid ejector. 8. A liquid container installation section includes a plurality of liquid chambers respectively accommodating a plurality of types of liquids, a storage section for storing information regarding the manufacturing time of the liquid container and sedimentation characteristic information of each liquid in each liquid chamber, A liquid container having a liquid container is installed, the information reading unit reads the information stored in the storage unit of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation unit, and the liquid discharge control unit The plurality of liquid discharge units are controlled based on the information about the manufacturing time of the liquid container read by the information reading unit and the sedimentation characteristic information of each liquid in each liquid chamber. 6. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to item 6. 9. A liquid crystal discharge control unit, comprising a clock function unit for recognizing the current time point, the liquid discharge control unit calculating an elapsed time up to the current time point based on the information about the manufacturing time point, and the elapsed time period. 9. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: a control main body that controls each liquid discharger based on the sedimentation characteristic information of each liquid in each liquid chamber. 10. The control main body unit, when the liquid container is replaced, initializes each liquid according to the length of the elapsed time based on the information stored in the storage unit of the liquid container mounted after the replacement. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 9, wherein each liquid ejecting unit is controlled so that each ejecting amount becomes larger. 11. A liquid container installation part in which a liquid container having a liquid chamber containing a liquid and a storage part storing the sedimentation characteristic information of the liquid in the liquid chamber is installed, a head member having a nozzle opening, A liquid communication path for communicating the inside of the liquid chamber of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation section with the nozzle opening, and an information reading section for reading the information stored in the storage section of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation section A liquid consumption amount integrating unit that integrates the liquid consumption amount from the nozzle opening; and a liquid end determination unit that determines the liquid end based on the liquid settling characteristic information in the liquid chamber read by the information reading unit and the liquid consumption amount. And a liquid ejecting apparatus. 12. A liquid container installation unit in which a liquid container having a plurality of liquid chambers respectively containing a plurality of types of liquids and a storage unit storing liquid sedimentation characteristic information of each liquid chamber is installed, Head member having a nozzle opening, a plurality of liquid communication passages for communicating the inside of each liquid chamber of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation section with each nozzle opening, and the liquid installed in the liquid container installation section An information reading unit that reads the information stored in the storage unit of the container, a plurality of liquid consumption amount integrating units that integrate the liquid consumption amount of each liquid from the nozzle opening, and a liquid reading unit that reads the information of the liquid in each liquid chamber. A liquid ejecting apparatus, comprising: a liquid end discriminating unit that discriminates a liquid end of each liquid based on the sedimentation characteristic information and each liquid consumption amount. 13. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid sedimentation characteristic information is information regarding an OD value for each ejection amount of the liquid. 14. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information regarding the manufacturing time of the liquid container is the manufacturing date of the liquid container. 15. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid discharging unit is a cleaning unit that discharges the liquid by sucking the liquid from the nozzle opening. 16. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid discharging portion is a flushing portion that discharges the liquid by discharging the liquid from the nozzle opening. 17. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid contained in the liquid container is pigment ink. 18. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid container contains the liquid in a form of containing the foam material filled with the liquid.